The influx of parallel traders who buy their stock tax-free in Hong Kong to resell it in mainland China at a profit is causing growing unrest. Residents of Sheung Shui, a town close to China's border, say the increase in parallel importers has pushed up retail prices and causes a general nuisance. Importers argue that their trade benefits the Hong Kong economy.

A lawmaker has attacked the government for refusing to say which infant milk formulas are restricted from being taken out of Hong Kong.

The criticism came after Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man apologised yesterday to 12 mainlanders carrying rice-based baby cereal, who were mistakenly arrested at the border.

Customs officers arrested the 12 for flouting the new rule that allows adults to carry only two tins, or 1.8kg, of milk formula out of Hong Kong. But it was later discovered that the baby cereal was not a restricted product.

Ko said they would not be charged and the government would look into whether it needed to clarify the legal definition of infant formula. "There were mistakes. So I apologise to those who were affected," he said.

Under the new law, infant formula means a substance in powder form that "is or appears to be for consumption by a person aged under 36 months" and "is or appears to be milk or a milk-like substance". Asked if the government would disclose a list of restricted milk powders, Ko initially said it would be considered.

But later, his bureau said in a written reply that the list was used for law enforcement purposes and it would not be appropriate to disclose it.

Lawmaker James To Kun-sun said he was not surprised the government did not want to disclose the list as it would show its "ugly" way of operating.

"The law is broad, but officers were given a list to narrow down enforcement. It's against the law," he said.

The law is broad, but officers were given a list to narrow down enforcement. It's against the law

Lawmaker James To Kun-sun

A customs spokeswoman said it had contacted all 12 arrested to arrange for the return of their bail money and confiscated items.

The Association of Customs and Excise Service Officers said the officers who made the arrests were just trying to do their job.

But one officer, who did not want to be identified, said morale among frontline staff had been affected.

"The government said we were wrong just because of some complaints. It will be tough for us to enforce the law now."

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as Apology over mistaken milk powder arrests

Smart move for Dr Ko, people always like it when someone stands up and takes the blame like a real man. Much better than other politicians who blame their wives.
My opinion for him is very high now and he has just given himself future credibility.

mcheung Mar 22nd 20138:48pm

Three cheers for Dr. Ko. Now, this is a responsible secretary, admitting and apologize for the mistakes of yet not blaming the front line workers.

jandajel Mar 23rd 201310:24am

The arrogance of HK's unelected officials never cease to amaze me. On RTHK Radio 3, Ko said that the goods and bail money would be returned to the individuals "as a matter of courtesey"! What a nice and courteous fellow, I would think returning the money and cereal, plus compensating them for their wasted time, would be legally and morally required.

sman Mar 23rd 20139:32am

This reminds me of incident I witnessed in Ocean Park where mainlanders jumped queue and fell in water ride, and then criticized/attacked staff for not reacting quickly to save their child.
They are very good at making a big scene while the innocent (everyone else bar the selfish mainlander) who have done nothing wrong have to stand by. Those innocent ones never get any apologies from the mainlander for the cancelled ride after queueing for ages.